Accessing the corporate network on the go – it’s something that makes the life of the mobile professional so much easier. The question that corporate leaders must ask, however, is whether or not mobility is putting the corporate network at risk. If bring your own device (BYOD) has become a priority, has the right focus been put on security to protect all users, the network and the data?
According to a Hispanic Business report, there is an ongoing lack of security with tablets and smartphones that are used to access company data. This information was gathered in a Coalfire survey, the second consecutive study that revealed the same information without notable improvements being made. Between the two studies, companies are not taking the steps necessary to educate employees when it comes to using their mobile devices securely.
An independent information technology, governance, risk and compliance firm, Coalfire posted a release that noted how the increasingly popularity of tablets and smartphones continues to underscore the importance of protecting corporate data. According to Gartner (News - Alert) forecasts, tablet shipments in 2013 will hit 67.9 percent or 202 million in units. The mobile phone market is expected to grow 4.3 percent, or 1.8 billion in units.
This growing availability of devices to leverage BYOD is driving companies to adopt a new approach to staying connected. At the same time, this puts corporate data at risk. Mobile users want access and flexibility, but they tend to resist control that limits their capabilities on their mobile devices. Even worse, companies are simply allowing employees access to every element of the network or the data center without educating them on the risks they take when the proper management isn’t in place. Many employees don’t even know what activities put their devices at risk.
Key findings from the survey show that 47 percent of users have no passcode on their mobile device. This finding showed no change – and therefore no improvement – from 2012. Another 86 percent report using the same smartphone for person and work tasks, compared with 86 the previous year. While this fact alone doesn’t necessarily put the device or the user at risk, it simply heightens the need for extra measures and control. Still, of these users, 36 percent use a single password for all digital access. In other words, if a hacker gets in, he gets all the way in.
These findings demonstrate that while BYOD continues to grow in popularity, the approach seems to come from a convenience standpoint only, ignoring the potential risks that could hurt the corporation and the user. Without an advocate within the company that can support secure mobility practices, will these bad habits be broken?
Edited by Rachel Ramsey